The Las Cruces City Council meeting on July 7, 2025, featured a significant public comment regarding police presence during a recent protest. A community elder, who attended the protest, spoke out about witnessing police officers with rifles aimed at the crowd, including children. This statement challenged previous claims made during the meeting that no such actions occurred.
The elder emphasized their firsthand experience, stating, "I could see them," and described seeing officers with rifles entering a nearby library and later positioned on a balcony. This testimony added a personal and urgent perspective to the ongoing discussions about police conduct and community safety.
The meeting also included other topics, but the elder's remarks highlighted concerns about police tactics and community relations, underscoring the need for transparency and dialogue in addressing public safety issues. The council's response to these concerns will likely shape future discussions on policing practices in Las Cruces.